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"A crowned bronze Buddha in the Arakan style sits in meditation on a double lotus throne that rests atop a large figural pedestal. This early 20th century lost wax casting of a royal Buddha follows a form introduced in the 14th century Arakan Kingdom that was located in what is now Rakhine in Western Burma. The high opulent crown, side flanges, ear plugs and elaborate chest ornament are Arakan jambhupati features. Origin of the unusual pedestal is not so easily discerned. The central figure most likely represents the earth goddess, Wathundaye. She is guarded by two nats, spirits from Burma's animistic beliefs adopted into the Burmese Buddhist pantheon. These three figures are shown in three-quarter relief and flanked by lower-relief chinthei, lion-like figures that guard Buddhist structures throughout Burma. Images with aspects similar to this unusual sculpture may be seen in \"Arts of Asia,\" November/December 2005, in the article entitled \"The Art of the Burmese Buddha Statue,\" page 114. See photo #38 for a similar pedestal under a Pagan-style Buddha, and photos #15 and #22 for similar Buddha figures in Arakan style. At some point, perhaps for display in an outdoor altar, this sculpture was coated with reddish and black substances. The black top coat has worn away in areas, creating an eyecatching patina. The piece is in good condition. Dimensions: height 16\" (41 cm), width 10-1/2\" (26 cm), depth 8\" (20 cm). SEE MORE ITEMS IN OUR COLLECTION AT WWW.SILKROAD1.COM       "^^<http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema#string>
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